Prost! Cheers! Slainte! Živjeli!

Okay, I admit it: I like foofy drinks. Beer, yuck. Wine, meh. Cockails, oh yeah!

​Josh and I have been pub crawling around Seattle. Okay, pub crawling might be an exaggeration. Now in days we really only make it to one bar on a given evening; maybe two if we're feeling crazy. So, this list was a long time coming. But, let me tell you, it's a good list. A very good list indeed.

I decided to write about my favorite bars when I discovered a drink that I really enjoyed one night at Re:public - it was the Corpse Reviver #2. Finally, a drink that wasn't a lemon drop or a cosmo. This is a drink that's more hip and sophisticated (not to say lemon drops or cosmos are bad, they are perfectly good girly drinks, too). but Corpose Reviver just seemed less girly, and had more umph. A serious cocktail, if you will. 

At first, I was just going to get Corpse Revivers at every bar, until Josh convinced me that I might find another drink while I'm at it. 

Please keep in mind that this is mainly a list for places was great cocktails; not necessarily a place with a huge wine or beer selection. Here goes nothing...

​Voltare at Leary Traveler

​Maylie at Oliver's Twist

The Leary Traveler (Ballard) not only has good cocktails, but it is a place for beer lovers, too. The drink pictures is the Voltare, which was the drink special for the day. Honestly, I don't remember everything in it. However,  recall it definitely had mint. The important part was that it was oh-so-tasty. But my favorite thing about this place is the yam fries. Died and gone to heaven yam fries. A cocktail with yam fries...classy.

The cocktail on the right is from Oliver's Twist (Phinney Ridge). I think this place has the best cocktail list - big selection! So big that there are several drinks that I like on it. The one I've featured here is the Maylie - vodka, lemon, pear nectar, absinthe, and rosemary. Besides the selection, the other great thing about this place is that happy hour goes until 7pm. Can't beat that!

​Ruby Slipper at The Gerald

Tasty Drink at ​Tavern Law

When I'm at The Gerald (Ballard), I feel like I could be Don Draper, and the Seattle Met feels the same - read on. However, I don't think Don Draper would choose the same drink as me. I went with the Ruby Slipper. I was unsure about this one with since it had  pink peppercorns, but the bartender said if I liked Corpse Revivers, I would like this...and I certainly did. Another plus is that this place is also a great dining option.

One of the more popular bars for a cocktail in Capital Hill is the Tavern Law. We got there before the major crowds, so it's hard to know if you'll always be able to find a seat. The cocktail list here is quite extensive - as in pages of drinks. I actually don't remember the drink I had. I thought they would have the menu online, but they don't. If they had, I would be able to tell you since it had many ingredients that I enjoy. Nonetheless, you'll be sure find something you like here. 

​Corpse Reviver #2 at Re:public

​Corpse Reviver #2 at Essex

Okay, so Re:public (South Lake Union), was where I discovered the Corpse Reviver #2. I'm hesitant to say, but darn it, I will. I think they have the best Corpse Reviver #2. Hands down. Not to mention the delicious cherry at the bottom. Yum! I also enjoy the chicken dish they serve - it has spätzle (shout out to my German friends).

Now Essex (Ballard) is just a great bar. First off, their wallpaper is fantastic. It has whales on it. You heard me, whales. Their website has the whales on it, if you're curious. Oh come on, I know you're curious - check it out. There drinks are great, it's a fun place, and better yet....the pizza next door is the best. 

​Corn n' Oil at The Innkeeper

​Limoncello Cocktail at Cornuto

We went to the Innkeeper (Belltown) for dinner one Friday afternoon since we wanted to unwind from a long week with a beverage. I tried something totally wild (for me) called Corn n' Oil. Since it has blackstrap rum and something called falernum which separate from each other to give a layered look. It was very refreshing on that rainy day. ;)

​I wouldn't necessarily called Cornuto (Phinney Ridge) a bar, but more of a pizzeria with some good drinks. When I saw it had limoncello, I had to get it. Limoncello just draws up great memories of traveling to Sorrento in Italy...ohh Italy... This was like a done up lemon drop. 

​Wandering Monk at Revel

​This drink, the Wandering Monk, at Revel (Fremont) was super good. Actually, I guess I should say it's from Quoin, which is the restaurant's bar next door. However, I drank it at Revel while eating a delicious dinner. Seriously, delicious dinner. Anyway, back to the drink. It was like a mojito, but with a twist. I believe their drink list changes seasonally, so if this looks appealing you better get going. 

Well, this does it for my drink tour with you. This doesn't mean I'm done exploring, though. The next up will probably be the Sitting Room , and/or the Clever Bottle.

Also, not featured, but still top notch: Zig Zag Cafe and Local 360.​

So....chug chug chug.​ Oh, eh hem, what was I thinking; I mean  cheers my friends! Or, Prost! Cheers! Slainte! Živjeli!

Toffee, Not Coffee

Actually, it's both. Toffee + Coffee = Goodness. Starbucks came out with a few new drinks this week, and I'm not going to lie, they are delicious. Plus there is whole new set of flavors and syrups for experimentation. One of the new drinks is a Toffee Mocha. It's a new mocha sauce that is sweeter than the normal mocha and has a hint of toffee butteriness. Another is a Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (or mocha). This has some special salt we sprinkle plus the new sauce and the usual mocha. Crazy. With all this, I of course must put my own spin to a drink. This is how I came up with my latest drink. It's one pump of the toffee mocha, plus some sugar free vanilla, espresso, milk, and a sprinkle of salt. How to “call it” (order it)? Double Tall, One-Pump Toffee Mocha, 2-Pumps Sugar-free vanilla, Non-fat, Add Salt, Latte.

Pleasure and Passion

It's summer! We've had a few sunny days here in Eugene and it's great. The summer was late to show, but now that's it's here, we're all thrilled. We've been waiting all winter for this (except for those with allergies - that's not so fun). Since it's warmer, I like to drink cold drinks. Honestly, I prefer iced tea. You may recall my favorite tea, Vanilla Roobios. I do this whenever I have time to self-brew. However, on the go, I enjoy the always-available passion tea. I add my own twist to it though. Instead of the traditional classic syrup for sweetener, I add sugar-free vanilla. So refreshing. If you'd like, there is a passion tea lemonade as well. The black and green teas aren't too bad either. By the way, I get venti size when it comes to iced tea beverages. How to “call it” (order it)? Iced Venti, Sugar-free Vanilla, Passion Tea.

Refreshing Blends

You may have heard that Starbucks just released a new frappuccino recipe. In fact, Happy Hour started yesterday on 5/7 and goes until 5/16 everyday from 3-5pm. During this special time, not only do we play special music, but all frappuccino's are half off. Crazy good deal. This means I'm a frapp-making-maniac. To celebrate this frappuccino craze, I've been partaking in them myself. I must admit, the new recipe is quite delicious (scrumdiliumptious even - see my post). It's all fresh dairy, and made to order. My past few frapps have been caramel goodness. I get the Coffee Frappucinno light with Sugar Free Caramel. This is with non-fat milk and a syrup that is Stevia-based. How to “call it” (order it)? Tall, Sugar-free Caramel, Coffee Frappuccino Light. Please!

CBS Vivanno

I actually haven't gotten this lately, but it's a good one that I do order when I am looking for something with a bit more umph to power me along (aka: a snack). It's Starbucks Vivanno smoothies. They are pretty good and my favorite is the the Chocolate Banana Smoothie with my own personal twist (of course...just like Sally). I lessen the chocolate, add caramel syrup, non-fat milk, and reduce the protein mix. How to “call it” (order it)? 1 Pump mocha, 3 Pumps Sugar-Free Caramel, Non-fat, 1 scoop protein, Chocolate Banana Smoothie Please. [The cup would look something like this: 1-Mo, 3-SFC, N, 1 Pro, CBS].

Default Drink

My default drink is the Caramel Macchiato. This is a layered drink. As an iced drink, you can really see the layers. It looks really cool. The layers are: vanilla, milk, espresso shot(s), and the signature Starbucks criss-cross caramel. It's funny that my favorite, default drink is also my favorite drink to make (caveat: when there is not a crowd/line). A fun fact about this drink is that there is a special design we are supposed to follow with the caramel - take a look next time. Another fact is that a many people don't know how to pronounce macchiato. Although it's a pretty layered drink, I really recommend getting it stirred (extra foamy is also delicious). How to “call it” (order it)? Double Tall, Sugar-Free Vanilla, Nonfat, Stirred, Caramel Macchiato.

Winter Dreaming

I'll give you a hint, it's not coffee. Give up? Okay, it's tea. Whoo there. (As a side  note, I'll be writing a blog post on teas shortly, but for now a mini-post). Actually, it's not even Starbucks related. Yes, I snuck out and visited the competition: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The aren't in Oregon, mostly just SoCal and a few in NorCal. However, it's a must-visit place for me when I go home. This time I brought it back and now I've been utilizing my newfound knowledge on espresso machines and hot drinks. More specifically the magic steam wand that foams and froths milk. I brought back the special vanilla powder for the tea lattes and my favorite tea, Winter Dream. Together = Heaven. So I'm (correction, we are) drinking Winter Dream Tea Lattes. I'm not going to say how to order since I don't know their "code." Go get one if you can!

Crazy Good Chai

One of my favorites, before I liked coffee even, was Chai lattes. With the holiday baking I've been doing lately I am reminded of all the yummy spices - many of which are in Chai (or at least remind me of it or taste good with it). I've been enjoying this drink but I add some vanilla twist to it. How to “call it” (order it)? Tall Sugar-Free Vanilla Chai Latte.

Classic Cappuccino

Although this is not a holiday and/or seasonal drink, cappuccino is a classic favorite of mine. In fact, it reminds me of visits to Europe--Germany, Holland, etc. I still like mine sweetened up with vanilla (if that's not available, then add in the Splendas for sure). How to “call it” (order it)? Tall (or double tall), sugar-free vanilla, nonfat, cappuccino. Enjoy the foam...it's the best part!

Mexican Mocha Maddness

Starbucks doesn't have a really Mexcian hot chocolate or mocha mix like you might find in other coffee shops or at the supermarket. For instance, those Abuelita Mexican Chocolate tablets you can buy. However you can mix up a drink that gets close to the real thing. I really didn't come up with this, but rather a customer asked for a Mexican Mocha. I said we didn't have it sadly, but then looped in my colleague to see if she had any brilliant ideas. She certainly did (worked at SBux for years and always has some fun ideas). Here's what came up and how to “call it”: (fyi: it's my "skinny" version of it): double tall, sugar-free cinnamon dolce, non-fat, no whip, cinnamon sprinkles, 1 pump mocha. Yum!

The Snickers!

I'm calling my latest Snickers, which is just in time for Halloween! Basically, it's a mocha with hazelnut and caramel syrups. How to “call it” (order it)? Double tall, 2 pump sugar-free hazelnut, 2 pump sugar free caramel, non-fat, no whip, 1 pump mocha.

Caramel Pumpkin Twist

My newest is a "marriage" of the classic  Skinny Caramel Latte and seasonal favorite Pumpkin Spice. A lovely mix of caramel and pumpkin goodness. How to “call it” (order it)? Double tall, 1 pump pumpkin spice, non-fat, no whip, skinny caramel latte. (I like the tall size, but with two shots of espresso--this is the double tall part of this order).